MiR-224-5p targets EGR2 to promote the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Various microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the role of miR-224-5p in PTC progression remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to illuminate the function of miR-224-5p in PTC. Expression of miR-224-5p and EGR2 was examined in PTC by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between miR-224-5p and EGR2 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase assay. Upregulation of miR-224-5p and downregulation of EGR2 expression were detected in PTC tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-224-5p was found to be associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, it also predicted poor prognosis in PTC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-224-5p promoted cell metastasis and EMT in PTC. In addition, miR-224-5p was detected to directly target EGR2. EGR2 expression was negatively correlated with EGR2 expression in PTC. Of note, overexpression of EGR2 attenuated the carcinogenic effects of miR-224-5p in PTC. MiR-224-5p promotes cell migration, invasion, and EMT in PTC by targeting EGR2.